Saudi Arabia Jonathan Campbell 5 th period

Facts Arabic is the official language of Saudi Arabia, but English is widely spoken. It is used in business and is a compulsory second language in schools. Saudi Arabia is a market-based mixed economy where the government plays a dominant role in the economy. A normal work week is 35 to 40 hours a week but the weekends are considered to be on Thursday and Friday.

Major Business/ Industries Crude oil Petroleum Refining Basic Petrochemicals Ammonia Industrial gases Sodium Hydroxide Cement Fertilizers Plastics Metals Commercial Ship Repair Construction

Meeting Etiquette. Men shake hands. Good friends may greet each other with a handshake and a kiss on each cheek.. Women generally hug and kiss close friends.. Men and women would not greet each other in public I from outside the family.. When Saudis greet each other they take their time and converse about general things. Appearance Men jacket and tie are usually required for men at business meetings. Men should wear long pants and a shirt, preferably long-sleeved, buttoned up to the collar. Men should also avoid wearing visible jewelry, particularly around the neck. Women should always wear modest clothing in public. High necklines sleeves at least to the elbows are expected. Hemlines, if not ankle-length should at least be well below the knee. A look of baggy concealment should be the goal, pants or pant suits are not recommended. It is a good idea to keep a scarf handy, especially if entering a Mosque.

Greeting someone Always use your right hand when engaging in a handshake, as the left hand is considered unclean. Each person present will be greeted individually, When greeting a Saudi, it is most common to greet them using any honorific title, along with their first (given) name, Dr. Serge

HOW TO ADDRESS SOMEONE Remember to give a warm and firm handshake. If you are entering a room where a group of Saudis are seated, start always from the person on your right hand side and move towards your left anti- clockwise. Do not forget to greet each person with a "Salaam Alaikum" with a slight bow of your head and a genuine smile. It goes down well with your hosts.  Someone says to you “Salaam Alaikum” means “And unto you peace”  You Reply with “Wa- Alaikum-Salaam," meaning "And unto you peace”

Gift Giving Etiquette Gifts are not the norm as in many other countries.. If you are invited to a Saudi's house bring something small as a thank you.. Flowers do not make good gifts from a man, although a woman could give them to her hostess.. Never give alcohol unless you are positive they partake.. Gifts are not opened when received

Role of women in business Women play little role in public life in Saudi and have virtually no role to play in the business world. It is, therefore, very difficult for women business travelers to achieve a great deal in the country - even if they are granted a visa. The constitution of any delegation sent to Saudi on business needs very careful consideration and the normal western concerns on selection through achievement, track record and technical ability may not be appropriate. Any women visiting on business needs to be very conservative in both their dress code and behavior.

Business Negotiating. Decisions are made slowly. Do not try to rush the process.. The society is extremely bureaucratic. Most decisions require several layers of approval. It takes several visits to accomplish simple tasks.. Saudis are tough negotiators.. Business is hierarchical. Decisions are made by the highest-ranking person.. Repeat your main points since it will be interpreted as meaning you are telling the truth.. Do not use high-pressure tactics.. Decisions are easily overturned.. When discussing price, Saudis will often make an initial offer that is extremely low when they are buying. Conversely, when they are selling, their initial offer will be extremely high.. You may need to compromise on a point if someone's dignity is at stake.. There is a tendency to avoid giving bad news and to give effusive acceptances, which may only mean 'perhaps'

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